# How to copy a message

## Quick answer

In the chat:

1. Long press the message.
2. Tap **Copy** for the whole message.
3. Or tap **Select**, drag the blue dots, then tap **Copy**.

Paste it in any app.

## What you need

- TextPort on your iPhone
- A chat saved in TextPort

## Steps

1. Long press the message

   Press and hold the bubble. A menu opens.

2. Tap **Copy**

   It is the top row. The whole message is copied.

3. Or tap **Select** for a few words

   All the words start selected. Drag the blue dots to pick fewer. Then tap **Copy** above them.

   Tip: To stop, tap the bubble or anywhere outside it.

## Done

The words are copied. Long press in another app and tap Paste.

## Problems

| What you see | What to do |
| --- | --- |
| There is no **Select** in the menu. | The message has no text you can pick, or search is open. Tap the **X** to close search. Or use **Copy**. |
| You want to copy the whole chat. | Tap **Export**, then **Text**. In **Text Preview**, tap the copy button. See [Export a chat to a text file](https://textport.com/guides/export-a-chat-to-a-text-file.md). |
| You want to save a photo or file. | Long press it. Tap **Share**. See [See all photos, videos, and files in a chat](https://textport.com/guides/browse-photos-videos-audio-and-files-in-a-chat.md). |
| None of these match. | Email [support@textportapp.com](mailto:support@textportapp.com). Say which step you were on. Say what you saw. We usually reply within a day. |

## Questions

### Can I copy from any chat?

Yes. Copy works in chats from Messages, WhatsApp, LINE, screenshots, and Scroll Capture.

## Next guides

- [How to search inside a chat](https://textport.com/guides/search-inside-a-chat.md): You will find every message in a chat with the word you need.
- [How to export a chat to a text file](https://textport.com/guides/export-a-chat-to-a-text-file.md): You will have a plain text file of the chat, with one line for each message.
- [How to read a chat in TextPort](https://textport.com/guides/read-a-chat.md): You will know who sent each message and when, and how to hide or show the times.

TextPort guide for iPhone. Updated 2026-11-05. Web page: https://textport.com/guides/copy-a-message